Beverage dispensing valve system

ABSTRACT

A post-mix beverage dispenser utilizing a beverage dispensing valve including a movable valve activation device is provided. The beverage dispensing valve can move the valve activation device to a predetermined activation position to dispense a fluid in response to a control signal.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to post-mix dispensers todispense a custom beverage from beverage liquid concentrates includingflavor concentrates.

Background

Post-mix dispensers typically permit a beverage to be created on-demandfrom a mixture of ingredients. An advantage of dispensing beverage inthis form is that the concentrate containers and water supply typicallyoccupy significantly less space than is otherwise required to store thesame volume of beverage in individual containers. Moreover, thisdispensing equipment eliminates increased waste formed by the emptyindividual containers as well as additional transport costs. These andother technological advances have allowed food and beverage vendors tooffer more diverse choices to consumers through post-mix dispensingsystems.

Traditional post-mix beverage dispensing systems utilize a one-to-onerelationship of actuation valve to fluid source. This one-to-onerelationship results in higher cost for fluid management, electroniccontrols, and an increased space requirement on beverage dispensingequipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention permits post-mix beverage dispensing with abeverage dispensing valve system including a movable valve activationdevice. The valve activation device can be indexed to dispense diluent,brand concentrate, or flavor concentrate from one of a plurality of flowregulators. Software can direct the position of the valve activationdevice by moving the valve activation device to the appropriate positionto activate a flow valve related to the selected diluent, brandconcentrate, or flavor concentrate based on a user input. In a furtheraspect, multiple beverage dispensing valve systems can be utilized, forexample, a first beverage dispensing valve system for a diluent group, asecond beverage dispensing valve system for a brand concentrate group,and a third beverage dispensing valve system for a flavor concentrategroup.

In one aspect of the invention, the post-mix beverage dispensing systemcan include a beverage dispensing valve system including a first flowregulator having a first flow path and a first core positioned to openand close the first flow path, a second flow regulator having a secondflow path and a second core to open and close the second flow path, anda movable valve activation device. The valve activation device can bemovable to a first position adjacent the first core to cause the firstcore to open the first flow path or a second position adjacent thesecond core to cause the second core to open the second flow path.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method of indexing a movablevalve activation device can include providing a beverage dispensingvalve including a first flow regulator at a first position, a secondflow regulator at a second position, and a motor to move the valveactivation device to the first position or the second position. Themethod can include moving the valve activation device to the firstposition and generating first electronic position data representative ofthe first position. The method can also include moving the valveactivation device to the second position and generating secondelectronic position data representative of the second position. Themethod can also include storing the first electronic position data andthe second electronic position data in a memory of a beverage dispensingsystem that includes a user interface. The method can also includeelectronically linking the first electronic position data to a firstuser selection on the user interface and electronically linking thesecond electronic position data to a second user selection on the userinterface.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of dispensing a beveragefrom a post-mix beverage dispensing system can include providing apost-mix beverage dispensing system including an electronic controlsystem, an electronic user interface, and a valve system having amovable valve activation device. The method can include transmitting afirst electronic signal to the control system based on a first userselection on the electronic user interface, moving the movable valveactivation device based on the first electronic signal to a positionadjacent a flow regulator, transmitting a second electronic signal tothe control system based on a second user selection on the userinterface, and initiating the movable valve activation device based onthe second electronic signal to open a flow path in the flow regulatorto dispense a fluid.

Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention, as wellas the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention,are described in detail below with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein forillustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to aperson skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings containedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form partof the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present inventionand, together with the description, further serve to explain theprinciples of the invention and to enable a person skilled in therelevant art(s) to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a beverage dispensing system according tovarious aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a beverage dispensing system according tovarious aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a beverage dispensing system according tovarious aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing valve systemaccording to various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5. is an assembly view of a beverage dispensing valve systemaccording to various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6. is a top view of a beverage dispensing valve system according tovarious aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7. is a sectional view of a beverage dispensing valve systemaccording to various aspects of the invention taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a flow regulator according to variousaspects of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a beverage dispensing valve system according tovarious aspects of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing valve systemaccording to various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example hardware platform according to variousaspects of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example method for dispensing abeverage according to various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example method for indexing a movablevalve activation device according to various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example communication network accordingto various aspects of the invention.

Features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparentfrom the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunctionwith the drawings, in which like reference characters identifycorresponding elements throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with referenceto embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplaryembodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodimentmay not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring tothe same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it issubmitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art toaffect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection withother embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

In one aspect of the invention, a beverage dispensing valve systemutilizing a single activation method to dispense a fluid from one ofmultiple fluid sources is provided. The single activation method canreduce the number of solenoids or other activation devices resulting inlower cost and a smaller space requirement. The single activation methodcan move an activation device and index its position at one or more flowregulators in the beverage dispensing valve system to open and closefluid flow paths, as determined by a control system and user input. Theactivation device can be electronically indexed in a curved, circular,or linear arrangement. The activation device can be electrically poweredor pneumatically powered. The response time of moving the activationdevice can be optimized through a control algorithm that incorporatesuser input on a touchscreen display. The control algorithm can allow theactivation device to reach the desired flow regulator to control therespective fluid diluent or fluid concentrate in a timely manner. Thebeverage dispensing valve system can be used along with traditional(non-movable) electrical or pneumatic valve activation devices.

The embodiments discussed below may be used to form a wide variety ofproducts, such as beverages, including but not limited to cold and hotbeverages, and including but not limited to beverages known under anyPepsiCo branded name, such as Pepsi-Cola®.

An aspect of the present invention will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 1-13. Throughout the system, conventional beverage tubing (FDAapproved for use with food products) is used to connect the componentsof the system. Any of the beverage tubing conduits may be insulated toprevent heat loss or gain. In the beverage dispensing system 10, adiluent source supplies diluent, e.g., water, to the system 10. In oneaspect, the diluent can be at typical domestic water pressures, e.g.,approximately 50-300 pounds per square inch (psi). Beverage dispensingsystem 10 can include a nozzle assembly 40. Beverage liquid concentratecan be supplied to beverage dispensing system 10 and can mix with thediluent at nozzle 40. The use of a post-mix system that directly mixesthe concentrate and diluent at the nozzle avoids cross-contamination ofmultiple concentrate sources and can reduce the unwanted growth ofbacteria within the beverage system.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate beverage dispensing system 10, a touch screendisplay 20, and example user input selections 22, 24 a-24 h, 26 a-26 d,and 28 that can be used as part of a user interface on touch screendisplay 20. In particular, FIGS. 1-3 show different displays for anexample embodiment of a user interface for beverage dispensing system10. A user may make desired selections, such as selections of a desiredbrand of beverage and one or more modifiers or flavorings that can beused as ingredients for a custom beverage. Touch screen display 20 canpresent all information required to select and dispense a custombeverage to a user. As shown in FIG. 2, user input selections 24 a-24 fcan be icons for each type or brand of beverage that are available atthe beverage dispensing system. User input selections 24 a-24 f can bedisplayed on display screen 20. In one aspect of the invention, userinput selection 24 a can be an icon for Sierra Mist®, user inputselection 24 b can be an icon for Tropicana®, user input selection 24 ccan be an icon for Diet Pepsi-Cola®, user input selection 24 d can be anicon for Pepsi-Cola®, user input selection 24 e can be an icon forLipton Brisk® Iced Tea, user input selection 24 f can be an icon forMountain Dew®, user input selection 24 g can be an icon for DietMountain Dew®, and user input selection 24 h can be an icon for MUG RootBeer®.

As shown in FIG. 3, user input selections 26 a-26 d can be icons foreach beverage modifier or flavoring that are available at beveragedispensing system 10. User input selections 26 a-26 d can be displayedon display screen 20. In one aspect of the invention, user inputselection 26 a can be an icon for cherry flavoring, user input selection26 b can be an icon for vanilla flavoring, user input selection 26 c canbe an icon for strawberry flavoring, and user input selection 26 d canbe an icon for lemon flavoring.

Beverage dispensing system 10 can include a beverage dispensing valvesystem 100. Beverage dispensing valve system 100 and its components areshown in FIGS. 4-8. In one aspect of the invention, beverage dispensingvalve system 100 can include a top plate 110, a back block 120, and aback block mounting bracket 130. Top plate 110 can be attached to backblock 120 with support rods 140 that can extend from a bottom surface oftop plate 110 to a top surface of back block 120.

Beverage dispensing valve system 100 can include one or more flowregulators 200. Flow regulators 200 can be attached to top plate 110 andback block 120 in beverage dispensing valve system 100. Each flowregulator 200 can be fluidly connected to a fluid source to control flowof that fluid through the flow regular 200 and ultimately the beveragedispensing system 10. The fluid sources can be diluents, e.g., water,carbonated water, low carbonated water, and high carbonated water. Thediscrete fluid sources can also be concentrates, e.g., beverageconcentrates including brand concentrates and flavor concentrates. Inone aspect, beverage dispensing valve system 100 can include two flowregulators 200. In another aspect, beverage dispensing valve system 100can include more than two flow regulators 200, for example: three flowregulators 200, four flow regulators 200, five flow regulators 200, sixflow regulators 200, seven flow regulators 200, eight flow regulators200, nine flow regulators 200, 10 flow regulators 200, 11 flowregulators 200, 12 flow regulators 200, 13 flow regulators 200, 14 flowregulators 200, 15 flow regulators 200, and 16 flow regulators 200. Inone aspect, beverage dispensing valve system 100 can include a flowregulator 200 for a brand concentrate, a flow regulator 200 for adiluent, and a flow regulator 200 for a flavor concentrate. Flowregulators 200 can control and adjust the quantity of flow of fluid.Plunger 240 can block fluid flow through back block 120 during servicingand can allow liquid flow through back block 120 in normal operatingconditions.

In one aspect of the invention, the flow regulators 200 can be arrangedin a curved arrangement on top plate 110 and back block 120 aboutcentral axis 60. In another aspect of the invention, the flow regulators200 can be arranged in a circular or semi-circular arrangement on topplate 110 and back block 120 about central axis 60, for example, asshown in FIGS. 4-6. In one aspect of the invention, the angulardisplacement 201 between adjacent flow regulators 200 with respect tocentral axis 60 can be approximately 20 degrees. In another aspect, theangular displacement 201 between adjacent flow regulators can range fromapproximately 18 degrees to approximately 180 degrees. For example, theangular displacement 201 can be approximately 180 degrees, approximately120 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, approximately 72 degrees,approximately 60 degrees, approximately 51 degrees, approximately 45degrees, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 36 degrees,approximately 33 degrees, approximately 30 degrees, approximately 28degrees, approximately 26 degrees, approximately 24 degrees,approximately 23 degrees, approximately 22 degrees, approximately 20degrees, approximately 19 degrees, and approximately 18 degrees. In afurther aspect, flow regulators 200 can be arranged in a lineararrangement on top plate 110 and back block 120.

Each flow regulator 200 can include a flow valve 210 that is movablebetween a fully-opened and a fully-closed position. In addition, eachflow valve 210 can contain an orifice restriction of a predeterminedsize to meter the flow of liquid therethrough. For example, based on therelative sizes of the orifice restrictions of the valves, the correctproportion of the fluid can be maintained regardless of the incomingpressure. Flow valves 210 can be moved between the fully opened and thefully-closed positions by a valve activation device 150. In one aspectof the invention, valve activation device 150 can be pneumatic, forexample, CO₂, N₂, compressed air, etc. In another aspect, valveactivation device 150 can be an electronic solenoid. In this aspect,flow valves 210 can each include a core 211 that is contained in asleeve 212. A spring 214 can bias core 211 to a fully closed position toblock fluid flow into flow channel 216. The electronic solenoid in valveactivation device 150 can be energized to create a magnetic field andpull core 211 upward to permit fluid flow into flow channel 216. In oneaspect of the invention, the electronic solenoid in valve activationdevice 150 can be energized based on a user input on a user interface ofa beverage dispensing system 10.

In one aspect of the invention, valve activation device 150 can bemovable. For example, valve activation device 150 can move to anactivation position adjacent a flow valve 210 in a flow regulator 200 toopen flow valve 210 to dispense a fluid. For example, as shown in FIG.6, valve activation device 150 can move to a first activation positionadjacent flow valve 210 a to open flow valve 210 a, a second activationposition adjacent flow valve 210 b to open flow valve 210 b, a thirdactivation position adjacent flow valve 210 c to open flow valve 210 c,a fourth activation position adjacent flow valve 210 d to open flowvalve 210 d, a fifth activation position adjacent flow valve 210 e toopen flow valve 210 e, a sixth activation position adjacent flow valve210 f to open flow valve 210 f, a seventh activation position adjacentflow valve 210 g to open flow valve 210 g, an eighth activation positionadjacent flow valve 210 h to open flow valve 210 h, a ninth activationposition adjacent flow valve 210 i to open flow valve 210 i, and a 10thactivation position adjacent flow valve 210 j to open flow valve 210 j.In one aspect of the invention, valve activation device 150 can move toone of the activation positions based on a user input on a userinterface of a beverage dispensing system 10.

In an aspect of the invention, valve activation device 150 can beattached to a rotating arm 160. Rotating arm 160 can be attached to acoupling 174 that is also attached to a motor shaft 172. Motor 170 canrotate motor shaft 172, which rotates valve activation device 150through rotation arm 160 to the activation position adjacent a flowvalve 210. In one aspect of the invention, motor shaft 172 can definecentral axis 60. In a further aspect, motor 170 can be an electricstepper motor. In one aspect, motor 170 can rotate motor shaft 172 basedon a user input on a user interface of a beverage dispensing system 10.

The respective positions of the motor shaft 172 and valve activationdevice 150 that correlate with the activation positions can be indexedand saved into a system memory, as discussed below with respect to FIG.12. In one aspect, motor 170 can include a motor position sensor (notshown) to determine the positions of the motor shaft. Electronic datafrom the motor position sensor can be used to index the respectivepositions of the motor shaft 172 and valve activation device 150. Inanother aspect, the beverage dispensing valve system can include a valveactivation device position sensor (not shown) to determine the positionsof the motor shaft and valve activation device 150. Electronic data fromthe valve activation device position sensor can be used to index therespective positions of the motor shaft 172 and valve activation device150.

Valve activation device 150 can be controlled by an electronic controlmodule that includes a programmable microprocessor that sends anelectronic signal to position and initiate the valve activation device150. The electronic control module can provide intelligent control ofthe beverage system. The electronic control module can control theposition of valve activation device 150 through control of motor 170.The electronic control module can send a signal to motor 170 to movevalve activation device 150 to an activation position adjacent a flowvalve 210. For example, the electronic control module can send a signalto motor 170 to move valve activation device 150 to a first activationposition adjacent flow valve 210 a, a second activation positionadjacent flow valve 210 b, a third activation position adjacent flowvalve 210 c, a fourth activation position adjacent flow valve 210 d, afifth activation position adjacent flow valve 210 e, a sixth activationposition adjacent flow valve 210 f, a seventh activation positionadjacent flow valve 210 g, an eighth activation position adjacent flowvalve 210 h, a ninth activation position adjacent flow valve 210 i, anda 10th activation position adjacent flow valve 210 j. In one aspect, theelectronic control module can send a signal to motor 170 to move valveactivation device 170 to a particular activation position based on auser input on a user interface of a beverage dispensing system 10, asdiscussed in greater detail below.

The electronic control module can also control initiation of valveactivation device 150. In one aspect, the electronic control module cansend a signal to valve activation device 150 to open a flow valve 210 todispensing a fluid. In another aspect, the electronic control module cansend a signal to energize a solenoid in valve activation device 150 tocreate a magnetic field and dispense a fluid by pulling core 211 upwardto open a flow valve 210 and permit fluid flow into flow channel 216. Inone aspect, the electronic control module can send a signal to initiatevalve activation device 150 based on a user input on a user interface ofa beverage dispensing system 10, as discussed in greater detail below.

The electronic control module can also monitor system status such as thefluid temperatures, number of drinks dispensed, and sensors thatdetermine the amount of concentrate remaining in the beverage dispensingsystem. The electronic control module can also provide servicediagnostics, and the ability to remotely poll the electronic status.

In another aspect of the invention, beverage dispensing valve system 100can include two valve activation devices 150 as shown in FIG. 9. Forexample, motor 170 could be a dual motor having two motor shafts 170. Inone aspect, the two motor shafts 170 can be co-axial. Each motor shaft170 can be attached to a rotating arm 160 and each rotating arm 160 canbe attached to a valve activation device 150. In this manner, a singlebeverage valve system 100 can simultaneously open multiple flow valves210 to simultaneously dispense two fluids.

In another aspect, flow regulators 200 can be positioned in a lineararrangement on beverage dispensing valve system 100. In this aspect,coupling 174 can include a four-bar linkage to translate the rotarymotion of motor 170 into linear motion of valve activation device 150.

In a further aspect as shown in FIG. 10, a linear actuator 1170 can movevalve activation device 1150 along a linear arrangement of flowregulators 1200 and flow valves 1210. A vertical post 1174 of valveactivation device 1150 can move along a rail 1180 and lead screw 1172.In one aspect, vertical post 1174 can extend through opening 1190 in topplate 1110 attached to back block 1120.

In one aspect of the invention, the positions of motor shaft 172 andvalve activation device 150 can be indexed with the positions of therespective flow valves 210 as activation positions. The activationpositions can be linked with user input selections, as shown in FIG. 13.

At step 1301, a beverage dispensing valve system, e.g., beveragedispensing valve system 100, may be provided. The beverage dispensingvalve system can include flow regulators and flow valves, e.g., flowregulators 200 a-j and flow valves 210 a-i, positioned about thebeverage dispensing valve system. A valve actuation device, e.g., valveactuation device 150, can be attached to an electric motor, e.g., motor170, and can be moved to a first activation position, e.g., a positionwhere the valve activation device is adjacent the flow regulator and canopen the flow regulator flow valve.

At step 1303, first electronic data representative of the firstactivation position can be generated. The first electronic data can bederived from the electric motor and can represent where the motor shouldturn the motor shaft, e.g., motor shaft 172, to move the valve actuationdevice to the first activation position. In one aspect, the electricmotor can include a motor position sensor to determine the position ofthe motor shaft. The first electronic data can be derived fromelectronic data generated by the motor position sensor. In anotheraspect, the beverage dispensing valve system can include a valveactivation device position sensor to determine the position of the valveactivation device. The first electronic data can be derived fromelectronic data generated by the valve activation device positionsensor.

At step 1305, the first electronic data can be stored in a memory of abeverage dispensing system, e.g., beverage dispensing system 10,utilizing the beverage dispensing valve system.

At step 1307, the first electronic data can be linked with a first userinput selection. Based on this linking, the motor can move the valveactivation device to the first activation position upon receiving a userinput that identifies the first user input selection. In one aspect, thefirst user input selection can be a type or brand of beverage, such asone of user input selections 24 a-24 h. In another aspect, the firstuser input selection can be a beverage modifier, such as one of userinput selections 26 a-26 d. In a further aspect, the first user inputselection can be related to a type of diluent, such as water, carbonatedwater, low carbonated water, and high carbonated water.

At step 1309, the valve actuation device can be moved to a secondactivation position, e.g., a position where the valve activation deviceis adjacent a second flow regulator and can open the second flowregulator flow valve.

At step 1311, second electronic data representative of the secondactivation position can be generated. The second electronic data can bederived from the electric motor and can represent where the motor shouldturn the motor shaft, e.g., motor shaft 172, to move the valve actuationdevice to the second activation position. In one aspect, the firstelectronic data can be derived from electronic data generated by themotor position sensor. In another aspect, the first electronic data canbe derived from electronic data generated by the valve activation deviceposition sensor.

At step 1313, the first electronic data can be stored in a memory of thebeverage dispensing system.

At step 1315, the second electronic data can be linked with a seconduser input selection. Based on this linking, the motor can move thevalve activation device to the second activation position upon receivinga user input that identifies the second user input selection. In oneaspect, the second user input selection can be a type or brand ofbeverage, such as one of user input selections 24 a-24 h. In anotheraspect, the second user input selection can be a beverage modifier, suchas one of user input selections 26 a-26 d. In a further aspect, thesecond user input selection can be related to a type of diluent, such aswater, carbonated water, low carbonated water, and high carbonatedwater.

The above indexing method can be repeated for each activation positionof motor shaft 172 and valve activation device 150 with respect to eachflow regulator 200 and flow valve 210. For example, the indexing methodcan include moving the valve activation device to a third activationposition, generating third electronic data representative of the thirdactivation position, storing the third electronic data in the beveragedispensing system memory, and linking the third electronic data with athird user input selection. The indexing method can include moving thevalve activation device to a fourth activation position, generatingfourth electronic data representative of the fourth activation position,storing the fourth electronic data in the beverage dispensing systemmemory, and linking the fourth electronic data with a fourth user inputselection. The indexing method can include moving the valve activationdevice to a fifth activation position, generating fifth electronic datarepresentative of the fifth activation position, storing the fifthelectronic data in the beverage dispensing system memory, and linkingthe fifth electronic data with a fifth user input selection. Theindexing method can include moving the valve activation device to asixth activation position, generating sixth electronic datarepresentative of the sixth activation position, storing the sixthelectronic data in the beverage dispensing system memory, and linkingthe sixth electronic data with a sixth user input selection.

Although the example method of FIG. 13 shows a particular order ofsteps, the exact order of the above steps could change, and the beveragedispensing valve system could receive or generate additional electronicdata before, after, and in between particular steps of the above examplemethod.

The manner in which a user engages the interface of the beveragedispensing system to select and/or dispense a beverage can vary. FIG. 12illustrates an example method for dispensing an available productaccording to one aspect of the invention.

At step 1201, a user interface may be displayed on a display device ofthe dispenser. This may include displaying an initial user inputselection 22 on display screen 20 (e.g., “touch to start”).

At step 1203, a selection of a type or brand of beverage may be receivedvia input from the user. For example, a user may select Sierra Mist® byselecting user input selection 24 a, Tropicana® by selecting user inputselection 24 b, Diet Pepsi-Cola® by selecting user input selection 24 c,Pepsi-Cola® by selecting user input selection 24 d, Lipton Brisk® IcedTea by selection user input selection 24 e, Mountain Dew® by selectinguser input selection 24 f, Diet Mountain Dew® by selecting user inputselection 24 g, or MUG Root Beer® by selecting user input selection 24h.

At step 1204, based on the user input in step 1203, an electroniccontrol module can send a signal to a motor in a brand beveragedispensing valve system, e.g., beverage dispensing valve system 100, tomove a valve activation device, e.g., valve activation device 150, to aposition adjacent a flow valve, e.g., flow valve 210, in a flowregulator, e.g., flow regulator 200. The beverage dispensing valvesystem can include a flow regulator, e.g., 200 a-200 h, for each userinput selection, e.g., 24 a-24 h.

At step 1205, a selection of one or more modifiers to a beverage may bereceived via input from the user. For example, a user may selectflavoring by pressing one or more of user input selections 26 a-26 d. Auser can select cherry flavoring by selecting user input selection 26 a,a user can select vanilla flavoring by selecting user input selection 26b, a user can select strawberry flavoring by selecting user inputselection 26 c, and a user can select lemon flavoring by selecting userinput selection 26 d. In response to a selection, the interface canhighlight the selected icon to indicate the selected flavoring to beadded.

At step 1206, based on the user input in step 1205, an electroniccontrol module can send a signal to a motor in a modifier beveragedispensing valve system, e.g., beverage dispensing valve system 100, tomove a valve activation device, e.g., valve activation device 150, to aposition adjacent a flow valve, e.g., flow valve 210, in a flowregulator, e.g., flow regulator 200. The beverage dispensing valvesystem can include a flow regulator, e.g., 200 a-200 d, for each userinput selection, e.g., 26 a-26 d. In one aspect of the invention, themodifier beverage dispensing valve system and the brand beveragedispensing valve system can be a single dual beverage dispensing valvesystem. In this aspect, the dual beverage dispensing valve system caninclude a brand activation device and a modifier activation device thatmove independently and can simultaneously dispense multiple fluids.

At step 1207, a command to dispense the custom beverage may be receivedvia input from the user. For example, a user may select user inputselection 28 (e.g., a pour icon) to dispense the custom beverage.

At step 1209, the interface can send electronic signals to the valveactivation device in the brand beverage valve system and the valveactivation device in the modifier beverage valve system to cause thedispenser to dispense the custom beverage as a mixture of the type orbrand of beverage selected at step 1203 and the selected modifiers fromstep 1205. For example, as a response to the actuation of user inputselection 28, the interface may illuminate user input selection 28 andcause the dispenser to dispense the selected mixture.

Although the example method of FIG. 12 shows a particular order ofsteps, the exact order of the above steps could change (e.g., step 1205could occur prior to step 1203), and the dispenser could receiveadditional input from the user before, after, and in between particularsteps of the above example method. The order of the steps and/or whatinput is received during the course of a user's interaction with adispenser may be dependent on the organization of the user interface.

In a further aspect, non-movable activation devices can be utilized withthe brand beverage dispensing valve system and/or the modifier beveragedispensing valve system. In another aspect, non-movable valve activationdevices can be used in place of the brand beverage dispensing valvesystem and/or the modifier beverage dispensing valve system.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an example communication networkin which one or more embodiments may be implemented. A dispensingsystem, e.g., beverage dispensing system 10, can be configured todispense a product according to a user's selection. For example, a usercan approach a dispenser 1404, and interact with the dispenser 1404 tomake a selection (e.g., input a code or press a button corresponding tothe desired product). In response, the dispenser 1404 may dispense theselected product. In general, examples of this disclosure relate to abeverage dispensing system; however, various aspects of this disclosurecould be used in a dispenser for other types of products (e.g., candy orsnack dispenser).

Dispensing systems may be located across different locations orpremises. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates three dispensers: dispensingsystem 1404, dispensing system 1406 and dispensing system 1408.

In a further aspect, dispensing systems may be connected to acontroller. A controller may be centrally located and/or a separatecontroller may be incorporated into each dispenser. As illustrated inFIG. 14, dispensing systems 1406 and 1408 are connected to controller1405. Controller 1405 can be configured to receive instructions fromdispensing system 1406 and/or 1408, and to cause the appropriatedispensing system to dispense an appropriate amount of the selectedproduct. For example, if dispensing system 1406 is a beverage dispenser,a user may interact with the dispenser to select a beverage (e.g., via atouchpad, touch screen, keypad, etc.), instructions for the selectedbeverage may be transmitted to controller 1405, and controller 1405 maybe configured to dispense an appropriate amount of the selected beveragein response to the instructions.

Components of a dispensing system may include a processor 1420, memory1430, software 1440, and/or additional components suitable forimplementing the functions and methods of the dispensing system.Software 1440 may be stored in computer-readable memory 1430 such asread only or random access memory in dispenser 1404 and may includeinstructions that cause one or more components (e.g., processor 1420,display, etc.) of a dispenser (e.g., dispenser 1404) to perform variousfunctions and methods including those described herein.

A dispenser may communicate with other devices using one or morenetworks. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, dispensing systems1404, 1406 and 1408 may communicate with server 1400 via network 1402and/or network 1403. Network 1402 and network 1403 may include multiplenetworks that are interlinked so as to provide internetworkedcommunications. Such networks may include one or more private or publicpacket-switched networks (e.g., the Internet), one or more private orpublic circuit-switched networks (e.g., a public switched telephonenetwork), a cellular network, a short or medium range wirelesscommunication connection (e.g., Bluetooth®, ultra wideband (UWB),infrared, WiBree, wireless local area network (WLAN) according to one ormore versions of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) standard no. 802.11), or any other suitable network. Devices incommunication with each other (e.g., dispensing systems 1404, 1406, and1408, server 1400, and/or data repository 1401) may use variouscommunication protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), TransmissionControl Protocol (TCP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), FileTransfer Protocol (FTP), among others known in the art.

Server 1400, controller 1405, and dispensing systems 1404, 1406 and 1408may be configured to interact with each other and other devices. In oneexample, dispenser 1404 may include software 1440 that is configured tocoordinate the transmission and reception of information to and fromserver 1400. In one arrangement, software 1440 may include applicationor server specific protocols for requesting and receiving data fromserver 1400. For example, software 1440 may comprise a browser orvariants thereof and server 1400 may comprise a web server. In somearrangements, server 1400 may transmit application data to dispensingsystems, such as software updates to various components of thedispensing system (e.g., updates to the user interface, updates tofirmware of the dispensing system, updates to drivers of the dispensingsystem, etc.). In one or more arrangements, server 1400 may receive datafrom the dispensing systems, such as data describing the current stockof the dispenser (e.g., a listing of products and the number remainingat the dispenser), operation history and/or usage metrics of thedispenser (e.g. counters tracking the selections of users of themachine), status of the dispenser (e.g., whether any components areworking improperly), etc. Server 1400 may be configured to access andstore data in data repository 1401, such as data that it receives andtransmits in data repository 1401. Data repository 1401 may also includeother data accessible to server 1400, such as different drink recipesthat can be downloaded to dispensers.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example computing device on which at least someof the various elements described herein can be implemented, including,but not limited to, various components of dispenser systems (e.g.,dispensers 1004, 1006 and 1008, beverage dispensing system 11).Computing device 1100 may include one or more processors 1101, which mayexecute instructions of a computer program to perform, or cause toperform, any of the steps or functions described herein. Theinstructions may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium ormemory, to configure the operation of the processor 1101. For example,instructions may be stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 1102, randomaccess memory (RAM) 1103, removable media 1104, such as a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) drive, compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk(DVD), floppy disk drive, flash card, or any other desired electronicstorage medium. Instructions may also be stored in an attached (orinternal) hard drive 1105.

Computing device 1100 may include one or more output devices, such as adisplay 1106, and may include one or more output device controllers1107, such as a video processor. There may also be one or more userinput devices 1008, such as a touch screen, remote control, keyboard,mouse, microphone, card reader, RFID reader, etc. The computing device1100 may also include one or more network interfaces, such asinput/output circuits 1109 to communicate with an external network 1110.The network interface may be a wired interface, wireless interface, or acombination of the two. In some embodiments, the interface 1109 mayinclude a modem (e.g., a cable modem), and network 1110 may include thecommunication lines of the networks illustrated in FIG. 10, or any otherdesired network.

The FIG. 11 example is an illustrative hardware configuration.Modifications may be made to add, remove, combine, divide, etc.components as desired. Additionally, the components illustrated may beimplemented using basic computing devices and components, and the samecomponents (e.g., processor 1101, storage 1102, user input device 1108,etc.) may be used to implement any of the other computing devices andcomponents described herein.

One or more aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in acomputer-usable data and/or computer-executable instructions, such as inone or more program modules, executed by one or more computers or otherdevices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects,components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types when executed by a processor ina computer or other data processing device. The computer executableinstructions may be stored on one or more computer readable media suchas a hard disk, optical disk, removable storage media, solid statememory. RAM, etc. The functionality of the program modules may becombined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. In addition,the functionality may be embodied in whole or in part in firmware orhardware equivalents such as integrated circuits, field programmablegate arrays (FPGA), controllers, application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICS), combinations of hardware/firmware/software, and thelike. Particular data structures may be used to more effectivelyimplement one or more aspects of the invention, and such data structuresare contemplated within the scope of computer executable instructionsand computer-usable data described herein.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpretthe claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or morebut not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s) ascontemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit thepresent invention(s) and the appended claims in any way.

The present invention(s) have been described above with the aid offunctional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specifiedfunctions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functionalbuilding blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenienceof the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as thespecified functions and relationships thereof are appropriatelyperformed.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fullyreveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others can, byapplying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/oradapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undueexperimentation, without departing from the general concept of thepresent invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications areintended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presentedherein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminologyherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, suchthat the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is tobe interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings andguidance.

The breadth and scope of the present invention(s) should not be limitedby any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should bedefined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage dispensing valve system comprising: afirst liquid inlet connected to a first liquid source and a first liquidflow path; a second liquid inlet connected to a second liquid source anda second liquid flow path; a first flow regulator having a first corepositioned in the first liquid flow path to open and close the firstliquid flow path from the first liquid inlet to a first liquid outlet; asecond flow regulator having a second core positioned in the secondliquid flow path to open and close the second liquid flow path from thesecond liquid inlet to a second liquid outlet; and a movable valveactivation device including: a motor having an upwardly-extending motorshaft extending along a central axis of the beverage dispensing valvesystem; a rotary arm having a fixed end attached to the motor shaft anda free end extending radially outward from the fixed end, wherein thefree end is positioned vertically above the first core; and anelectromagnet fixed to the free end of the rotary arm, wherein themovable valve activation device is movable to a first position adjacentthe first core to attract the first core upwards to open the firstliquid flow path and a second position adjacent the second core toattract the second core upwards to open the second liquid flow path, andwherein the electromagnet is energized in response to an electronicinput signal to attract the first core or the second core upwards. 2.The beverage dispensing valve system of claim 1, wherein the motor movesthe movable valve activation device to the first position or the secondposition in response to a first electronic input signal.
 3. The beveragedispensing valve system of claim 1, wherein the shaft of the motorrotates to move the movable valve activation device to the firstposition or the second position, and wherein the shaft defines arotation axis.
 4. The beverage dispensing valve system of claim 1,wherein the motor rotates the movable valve activation device via therotary arm.
 5. The beverage dispensing valve system of claim 3, whereinan angular displacement between the first position and the secondposition is at least approximately 20 degrees about the rotation axis.6. The beverage dispensing valve system of claim 3, wherein an angulardisplacement between the first position and the second position is fromapproximately 18 degrees to approximately 90 degrees about the rotationaxis.
 7. The beverage dispensing valve system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a third liquid inlet connecting to a third liquid source anda third liquid flow path; and a third liquid flow regulator having athird core positioned in the third liquid flow path to open and closethe third liquid flow path from the third liquid inlet to a third liquidoutlet, wherein the movable valve activation device is movable to athird position adjacent the third core to attract the third core upwardsto open the third liquid flow path, and wherein the electromagnet isenergized in response to the electronic input signal to attract thethird core upwards.
 8. The beverage dispensing valve system of claim 1,wherein the first fluid flow regulator includes a sleeve surrounding thefirst core and a spring to bias the first core to a closed position. 9.A post-mix beverage dispenser comprising: a concentrate tube connectedto a liquid concentrate source; a diluent tube connected to a liquiddiluent source; a dispensing valve including: a first flow regulatorconnected to the concentrate tube and a concentrate outlet tube; asecond flow regulator connected to the diluent tube and a diluent outlettube; and a moveable valve activation device including: a motorpositioned along a central axis of the post-mix beverage dispenser, themotor comprising an upwardly-extending motor shaft; a rotary arm havinga fixed end attached to the motor shaft and a free end extendingradially outward from the fixed end; and an electromagnet fixed to thefree end of the rotary arm, wherein the moveable vale activation devicecan be positioned adjacent the first flow regulator to open the firstflow regulator to permit liquid concentrate flow from the concentratetube to the concentrate outlet tube or adjacent the second flowregulator to open the second fluid flow regulator to permit liquiddiluent flow from the diluent tube to the diluent outlet tube.
 10. Thepost-mix beverage dispenser of claim 9, further comprising: a nozzleconnected to the concentrate outlet tube and the diluent outlet tube,such that the liquid concentrate and the liquid diluent mix at thenozzle to dispense a beverage.
 11. The post-mix beverage dispenser ofclaim 9, wherein the motor moves the movable valve activation device tothe first position or the second position in response to a firstelectronic input signal.
 12. The post-mix beverage dispenser of claim 9,wherein the shaft of the motor rotates to move the movable valveactivation device to the first position or the second position, andwherein the shaft defines a rotation axis.
 13. The post-mix beveragedispenser of claim 9, wherein the motor rotates the movable valveactivation device via the rotary arm.
 14. The post-mix beveragedispenser of claim 9, wherein the first flow regulator and the secondflow regulator are arranged along a curve.
 15. The beverage dispensingvalve system of claim 14, wherein an angular displacement between thefirst position and the second position is at least approximately 20degrees about a center of the curve.
 16. The beverage dispensing valvesystem of claim 14, wherein an angular displacement between the firstposition and the second position is from approximately 18 degrees toapproximately 90 degrees about a center of the curve.